Jerry Rice Raises Eyebrows with Controversial Joe Montana Comment

The 49ers legends were kicking off their celebrity golf tournament when Rice made a surprising remark about his former QB.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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During the kickoff event for their celebrity pro-am golf tournament at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, 49ers legend Jerry Rice praised his former quarterback Joe Montana as 'the greatest to ever play.' However, Rice then made a controversial comment, saying 'If Joe Montana, if he was a female, Joe and I probably would have dated. We had such great chemistry.' Montana quickly tried to wave off the remark, as some in the audience chuckled.

Why it matters

Rice and Montana were one of the most iconic quarterback-receiver duos in NFL history, leading the 49ers to multiple Super Bowl championships in the 1980s and 90s. Their comments at the event highlight the enduring friendship between the two legends, but Rice's remark about dating Montana if he were a woman raised eyebrows and sparked discussion online about the appropriateness of such comments.

The details

The two Niners greats were kicking off their celebrity pro-am golf tournament at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco when Rice took the microphone to praise Montana as 'the greatest quarterback to ever play.' However, Rice then made a surprising comment, saying 'If Joe Montana, if he was a female, Joe and I probably would have dated. We had such great chemistry.' Montana quickly tried to wave off the remark, as some in the audience let out a chuckle.

  • The event took place on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Jerry Rice

A legendary wide receiver who played for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1980s and 90s, winning 3 Super Bowls with the team.

Joe Montana

A Hall of Fame quarterback who led the San Francisco 49ers to 4 Super Bowl championships in the 1980s, forming an iconic duo with wide receiver Jerry Rice.

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What they’re saying

“If Joe Montana, if he was a female, Joe and I probably would have dated. We had such great chemistry.”

— Jerry Rice

The takeaway

Rice's surprising comment about dating Montana if he were a woman has sparked discussion about the appropriateness of such remarks, even between longtime friends and teammates. While the two 49ers legends clearly share a special bond, the incident highlights the need for public figures to be mindful of how their words may be perceived, especially in the current social climate.